Factors Affecting Performance in an Introductory Sociology Course

Abstract

This study examines factors affecting students’ performances in an Introductory Sociology course over five semesters. Employing simple and ordered logit regression models, the author explains final grades by focusing on individual demographic and educational characteristics that students bring into the classroom. The results show that a student's overall grade point average (GPA) and the number of class days missed are significant predictors of performance in the Introductory Sociology course. Findings also identify minority status and grade level as contributory factors in explaining differences in superior performance in the course. Given that the results of this study offer evidence for commonly held assumptions about the positive association between regular class attendance and good grades, it is recommended that students be encouraged to attend more class sessions. The study also confirms that students who do well in an Introductory Sociology course generally do well in other subjects, as validated by their concurrent GPA.